countyscore
53.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 86.2Lawn Care 73.8Soil Quality 69.7

County Report Card

About Howard County, Missouri

Above the National Benchmark

Howard County earns a composite score of 52.4, edging out the national median of 50.0. This places it in the upper half of counties across the United States. Its score is bolstered by high marks in environmental safety and general community stability.

A Reliable Mid-Missouri Choice

The county's score of 52.4 is slightly better than the Missouri average of 50.3. It maintains a competitive position in the state by offering a safer environment than many urban areas. Residents benefit from a median household income of $62,628, which is robust for a rural Missouri county.

Exceptional Safety and Risk Ratings

Howard County shines in safety and resilience, boasting a Risk Score of 86.2 and a Safety Score of 60.1. These metrics suggest a community with very low natural disaster threats and high personal security. Housing remains accessible with a median home value of $145,300.

Tax and Water Quality Hurdles

The county faces a Tax Score of 47.6, which is lower than many of its rural neighbors due to an effective tax rate of 0.869%. Water quality is another area for concern, scoring 38.4. Additionally, the School Score of 38.3 indicates that local education outcomes are below the national average.

The Safe Harbor for Commuters

Howard County is ideal for people working in nearby hubs like Columbia who want a safer, quieter place to call home. The high safety and risk scores make it a secure investment for property owners. It offers a balanced, middle-class lifestyle with a focus on peace and quiet.

2040608010053.458.660.148.938.350.786.238.455.5Tax53.4Cost58.6Safety60.1Health48.9Schools38.3Income50.7Risk86.2Water38.4Weather55.553.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Howard County DNA

Foverall

How Howard County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Howard County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (86.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (38.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53.4
Cost
58.6+10.600000000000001
Safety
60.1
Health
48.9
Schools
38.3-15.700000000000003
Income
50.7
Risk
86.2+39.2
Water
38.4-19.6
Weather
55.5
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Think property taxes are too high in Howard County?

Many homeowners in Howard County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$159,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$832/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$159,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,938/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Cooper County
Missouri
57.1
Saline County
Missouri
43
Randolph County
Missouri
50.6
Boone County
Missouri
39.7
Chariton County
Missouri
63.5
Moniteau County
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60.8
Carroll County
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57.8
Callaway County
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39.9

Deep Dives

Howard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Howard County

via TaxByCounty

Howard County taxes run above median

At 0.869%, Howard County's effective rate exceeds the national median of 0.94% slightly, placing it near the 55th percentile nationally. Residents pay $1,262 annually on a median home valued at $145,300—less than half the national median tax of $2,690.

Among Missouri's higher-taxing counties

Howard County's 0.869% effective rate stands well above Missouri's state average of 0.733%, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's 114 counties. The median tax of $1,262 also exceeds the state median of $1,199 despite slightly lower home values.

Highest-taxing peer in region

Howard County's 0.869% rate exceeds neighboring Henry County (0.801%), Harrison County (0.824%), and Holt County (0.773%), making it the highest-taxing county among this central Missouri cluster. Only Jackson County's 1.148% surpasses Howard's burden in this comparison group.

What Howard County homeowners pay

On Howard's median home value of $145,300, the effective rate of 0.869% produces an annual tax of approximately $1,262, or about $105 per month. With mortgage assessments factored in, the bill can rise to roughly $1,388 yearly.

Challenge inflated assessments

Howard County residents facing above-average tax rates should verify their property assessment against recent comparable sales. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to similar neighborhood properties, filing an appeal could reduce your tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Howard County

via IncomeByCounty

Howard County closes the income gap

Howard County's median household income of $62,628 narrows the distance to the national median of $74,755 to 16.2%, reflecting stronger economic fundamentals. This positions Howard among the more prosperous counties in rural Missouri.

Above state average

At $62,628, Howard County exceeds Missouri's state average of $59,503 by 5.2%, indicating economic performance above typical state conditions. The county ranks in the upper half of Missouri's 115 counties.

Third strongest in the region

Howard County's $62,628 income ranks third among these eight counties, surpassed only by Jackson County ($67,178). The county outpaces Henry ($56,621), Holt ($58,516), and all other peer counties.

Balanced housing affordability

Howard County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% remains comfortably within the healthy zone. The median home value of $145,300 aligns well with local earning capacity.

Strengthen financial foundation

Howard County's per capita income of $30,241 and solid affordability metrics support active wealth-building. Households should prioritize retirement savings, diversified investments, and home equity growth to accelerate financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Howard County

via CrimeByCounty

Howard County Among the Nation's Safest

Howard County earns a safety score of 98.6, placing it well ahead of national averages. The total crime rate of 917.0 per 100K is roughly 60% lower than the national benchmark.

Exceeding Missouri Safety Standards

Howard County outperforms the Missouri average safety score of 97.0 by a notable margin. Two reporting agencies document a crime rate that is less than half the state average.

A Regional Leader in Security

With only 917.0 crimes per 100K, Howard County is significantly safer than the average Missouri county. It provides a highly secure rural environment for its residents.

Violent Crime Stays Very Low

Violent crime in Howard County is just 276.1 per 100K, while property crime sits at 640.9. These numbers represent a fraction of the crime seen in typical American counties.

Preserve Howard's High Safety Score

Low crime rates are a community asset that residents can help protect. Smart home technology like doorbell cameras is an excellent way to deter infrequent property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Howard County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Midwestern Climate in Howard County

Howard County maintains an annual average temperature of 54.0°F, sitting just above the national median of approximately 53°F. This humid continental climate experiences distinct seasonal shifts typical of the American Heartland.

Slightly Cooler Than the Missouri Average

The county's 54.0°F average temperature sits nearly a full degree below the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. While its 41.5 inches of annual precipitation provides ample moisture, it remains drier than the state benchmark of 43.8 inches.

Matching the Patterns of Mid-Missouri

Howard County's climate closely mirrors neighbors like Jackson County, which shares a similar 54°F annual average. However, it sees slightly less snowfall at 10.3 inches compared to the 11.9 inches recorded in nearby Johnson County.

Hot Summers Meet Brisk Missouri Winters

July brings an average high of 77.2°F, but residents face 31 days of extreme heat where temperatures top 90°F. Winter averages dip to 31.3°F, delivering about 10.3 inches of snow throughout the season.

Prepare for Heat and Modest Snow

Homeowners should prioritize efficient HVAC systems to manage the month's worth of 90-degree days. Keeping a snow shovel ready is essential for the 10-inch seasonal average, though heavy accumulations are less frequent than in the north.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Howard County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Missouri Silt Loam Alfisols

Howard County is dominated by silt loam textures and the Alfisol soil order, which is known for its fertility. The average pH is 6.25, placing it comfortably between the Missouri average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity level is near perfect for a wide range of forest and field crops.

Fine-Textured Soil with Minimal Sand

The soil consists of 63.2% silt and 20.6% clay, creating a very fine-textured and smooth soil profile. With only 15.7% sand, these soils are not particularly gritty but are very effective at nutrient storage. This high silt content makes the land easy to work when moisture levels are just right.

Leading the State in Water Storage

Howard County features an impressive Available Water Capacity of 0.205 in/in, which is well above the Missouri average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter stands at 2.33%, which is higher than the national average but below the state's 4.74% benchmark. This soil acts like a sponge, keeping plants hydrated through the Missouri heat.

Reliable Drainage for Better Building

The soil is classified as well drained and falls into hydrologic group B, indicating a moderate rate of water infiltration. This makes the county's land favorable for both agriculture and construction, as it sheds excess water without extreme runoff. It is an ideal profile for those looking to build homes or maintain healthy pastures.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 6b

The 6b Hardiness Zone and a high soil score of 69.7 make Howard County a gardener's dream. The silt loam is perfect for deep-rooted crops like carrots and potatoes, as well as lush orchards. Plant your favorite perennials today and watch them flourish in this premium soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Howard County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Potential for Lush Lawns

Howard County scores an impressive 73.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, beating the state average by over 10 points. This zone 6b county offers a friendly environment for homeowners looking to maintain high-quality turf with moderate effort.

Balanced Moisture and Manageable Heat

The county receives 41.5 inches of rain annually, which is near the ideal 30-50 inch range. With 31 extreme heat days, the climate is less punishing than southern Missouri, allowing for 3851 growing degree days of steady lawn development.

Ideal Silt Loam Foundations

The soil is a well-drained silt loam with a pH of 6.25, which is almost perfect for turf health. Low sand content (15.7%) means your soil holds moisture well, reducing the frequency of needed irrigation during dry weeks.

Navigating Moderate Drought Exposure

Lawns here saw 19 weeks of drought over the past year, a moderate amount that requires some supplemental watering. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, so prioritize watering during early morning hours to minimize evaporation.

Optimal Planting in Mid-April

Your growing season typically kicks off after the last frost on April 13. Silt loam soils are excellent for tall fescue, which will thrive under the 3851 growing degree days before the first frost in late October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Howard County's county score?
Howard County, Missouri has a composite county score of 53.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Howard County rank among counties in Missouri?
Howard County ranks #48 among all counties in Missouri on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Howard County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Howard County is $1,227, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Howard County a tax score of 53.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Howard County?
The median household income in Howard County, Missouri is $65,938 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Howard County earns an income score of 50.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Howard County, Missouri a good place to live?
Howard County scores 53.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Howard County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Howard County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.